Just Lemon and Milk! Homemade Feta Cheese in 5 Minutes! 4.5 Times Cheaper Than in the Store!

• A strainer or colander
• A bowl to collect the whey
• A spoon or whisk

How to Make Homemade Feta Cheese in 5 Minutes

Now, let’s walk through the simple steps to make your own feta cheese at home. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together!

Step 1: Heat the Milk

1. Pour the milk into a medium saucepan and heat over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
2. Heat the milk until it just starts to simmer (about 180°F/82°C), but don’t let it boil. You should see steam rising and small bubbles forming along the edges of the pan.

Step 2: Add the Lemon Juice

3. Add the lemon juice (or vinegar) to the milk. Stir gently to combine. You’ll notice the milk starting to curdle as the lemon juice causes the proteins to separate. This is the beginning of the cheese-making process!
4. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes. The curds (solid) and whey (liquid) should separate completely. You’ll see large chunks of curds forming in the milk.

Step 3: Strain the Curds

5. Prepare a strainer or colander by lining it with a clean cheesecloth or kitchen towel. Place the strainer over a bowl to catch the whey.
6. Pour the curdled milk into the strainer, allowing the liquid whey to drain out. Let the curds drain for a few minutes until most of the whey has separated. You should be left with a thick, creamy mass of curds.

Step 4: Season and Shape the Feta

7. Transfer the curds to a small bowl. Add the salt if you like and mix it in gently. The salt helps enhance the flavor of the feta and gives it a bit more of that classic feta taste.
8. Shape the feta: If you prefer a more structured block of feta, you can press the curds into a small container or form them by hand into small blocks. Otherwise, you can leave them in crumbled pieces.

Step 5: Let It Set

9. Refrigerate the feta for at least an hour to firm up and allow the flavors to develop. If you want a firmer consistency, let it sit in the fridge overnight.

Tips for Making the Best Homemade Feta Cheese

• Use whole milk for the creamiest feta. You can use lower-fat milk, but whole milk provides the richest texture and flavor.
• Let the curds fully separate: It’s important that the curds separate from the whey before straining. If they’re not separating well, add a little more lemon juice and stir gently.
• Don’t rush the draining: The whey is an important part of the process. Let the curds drain for a few minutes to get the best consistency. You can save the whey for other uses like baking or making smoothies.
• Experiment with flavors: You can flavor your homemade feta by adding herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary, or even a bit of crushed garlic to the curds before refrigerating.
• Store properly: Homemade feta can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week. To keep it fresh, you can add a small amount of olive oil to cover the cheese or store it in brine (1 tablespoon salt in 1 cup water).

Why Homemade Feta Is 4.5 Times Cheaper Than Store-Bought

One of the biggest advantages of making your own feta at home is the cost savings. Store-bought feta can range from $4 to $7 per pound, depending on the brand and quality. When you make it yourself, the ingredients cost you only a fraction of that price.

For example, you can make around 12 ounces (three-quarters of a pound) of homemade feta with just 4 cups of milk (which costs about $1-$2), and the lemon juice costs pennies. By contrast, store-bought feta can cost you upwards of $4 for the same amount. So, making your own feta cheese is about 4.5 times cheaper than buying it!

Ways to Use Your Homemade Feta Cheese

Once you’ve made your delicious homemade feta, you’ll want to use it in a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Greek Salad: Toss your homemade feta into a classic Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, Kalamata olives, and a simple vinaigrette.
• Pasta: Crumble feta over hot pasta with a drizzle of olive oil, fresh herbs, and a sprinkle of black pepper.
• Sandwiches: Spread some homemade feta on toasted bread for a Mediterranean-inspired sandwich with fresh veggies and hummus.
• Baked Goods: Use feta as a filling for savory pastries or pies, such as a Greek-style spinach and feta spanakopita.
• Appetizers: Serve small chunks of homemade feta with olives, roasted nuts, and a drizzle of honey as an easy appetizer.

Conclusion: Homemade Feta Cheese – Quick, Affordable, and Delicious

Making your own feta cheese at home is an easy and affordable way to enjoy this tangy, creamy cheese without the premium price tag. In just a few simple steps, you can create a fresh batch of homemade feta that’s not only far cheaper than store-bought options but also customizable to your taste.

With just milk and lemon juice, you’ll have a batch of creamy, tangy feta cheese that can be crumbled over salads, stirred into pastas, or enjoyed with a simple piece of bread. It’s a fun, cost-effective way to enjoy homemade cheese and elevate your cooking game.

So, grab some milk, a lemon, and five minutes of your time—and treat yourself to the best homemade feta cheese you’ve ever tasted!